3 stars for Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich.
I come upon this book by sheer chance and almost give it a miss because the title kind of puts me off. Big Girl Panties. The first thought that comes to my mind is who in the world will grace the book they have painstakingly written with such an old-style repelling name. Obviously there is. The book in my possession is proof enough. Fortunately, the book cover make up for the lack of a nice title. And I am intrigued enough to read it. Big Girl Panties that is.
Two chapters later, I am hooked to the story. As much as the title suggests, Big Girl Panties is not about old grannies and their oversized knickers. It is about the life of Holly, a widow in this case and a fat one at that, in a convincingly realistic, down-to-earth story setting that I believe can possibly happen in real life.
No romance story is complete without the hero. So enters Logan, a personal trainer who on the pretence of offering an attractive low-priced fitness deal to coach Holly, is actually making personal amends for looking down on Holly. Though what is to eventually materialise between Holly and Logan is easily predictable, it is the emotional and poignant dynamics between the two that keeps me glued to the story. A man who has not the ability to commit readily to any long-term relationship is finally learning to love more than himself. A woman born to a life-in-change family with issues that stretch beyond her obesity is finally coming to terms with the demise of her husband and learning to give another go at life. The story moves fluidly from scene to scene and where appropriate takes the intricacy of relationships a step further to explore not only romantic love but platonic as well.
I very much enjoy reading the first half of Big Girl Panties as I can totally relate Logan's no-strings-attached philosophy to someone I know personally, someone who used to indulge in a friends-with-benefits lifestyle. I also love the the smart and witty exchanges flying around Holly and Logan which help to lighten up an otherwise somber story involving overweight people. However, the same cannot be said for the second half of the book. Not only has the quick-witted banter lessens much, there is the discomfort of reading about the likes of some side characters. While I am fine with introduction of Logan's best friend, Chase and his wife, I certainly do not enjoy reading about Chase's kinky penchant to spank.
All in all, this is an enjoyable read. And I still stick to my original stand on the book title. Perhaps a nicer title will do an even better job of casting the net to reach a wider audience?
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication date: 9 Jul 2013
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Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich is a rollicking and poignant romantic comedy about a young widow who decides to get in shape...and winds up getting her groove back--and a whole lot more! Holly Brennan used food to comfort herself through her husband's illness and death. Now she's alone at age thirty-two. And she weighs more than she ever has. When fate throws her in the path of Logan Montgomery, personal trainer to pro athletes, and he offers to train her, Holly concludes it must be a sign. Much as she dreads the thought of working out, Holly knows she needs to put on her big girl panties and see if she can sweat out some of her grief. Soon, the easy intimacy and playful banter of their training sessions lead Logan and Holly to most intense and steamy workouts. But can Holly and Logan go the distance as a couple now that she's met her goals--and other men are noticing?
*Blurb from Goodreads*
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